After fuel crisis, LPG gas ‘shortage’ hits Bhubaneswar

Even as Bhubaneswar began to recover from the fuel supply disruption caused by the statewide drivers’ strike, concerns have now shifted to a fresh challenge involving irregular LPG availability.

While companies have denied any supply shortage, residents across parts of the city have alleged difficulty in procuring portable LPG cylinders, particularly those sold by small traders to gig workers, tenants, and food vendors.

The disruption stems from the lingering impact of the five-day transport paralysis that affected fuel tankers and delivery vehicles across Odisha, triggering ripple effects in essential commodity logistics.

Supply Chain Normalising, But Last-Mile Gaps Remain

Sources confirmed that major suppliers, including the likes of Bharat Gas, HP, and Indane, hold sufficient stocks across all authorised distribution points.

However, localised shortages are being reported among small-scale users who rely on 5-7 kg refillable cylinders sold at independent shops.

“We’ve not received any supplies for the last two days. Our transport vendor has not returned to work,” said a small LPG dealer in Bhubaneswar.

These shortfalls have particularly impacted office-goers, food stall owners, and renters who lack formal gas connections and instead depend on informal resale networks. “I’ve been unable to refill my small cylinder since Thursday. I rely on it for my food stall,” said a roadside vendor in Unit IV.

From Fuel Panic to Kitchen Anxiety

The LPG concerns come close on the heels of a major fuel crisis in the city, which saw long queues at petrol pumps and panic buying after the All Odisha Driver Mahasangha launched a ‘Quit Steering Wheel’ protest earlier this week.

With fuel tankers detained and over 30% of the usual daily supply disrupted, the city’s transport and logistics network came under severe strain.

Although the crisis began easing on Friday evening and with the resumption of private bus services on Saturday and increased fuel tanker movement, the temporary disruption to essential delivery vehicles has continued to impact sectors like LPG distribution, where smaller operators play a key role in last-mile delivery.

Authorities Urge Calm as Services Resume

It is worth noting that the public should not panic, and also that there is no LPG shortage in Bhubaneswar. The issue is largely a delay in last-mile delivery for informal and small-scale users, which is expected to resolve soon.

With bus services now operational and drivers gradually returning to work, the transport network is being restored. The Odisha government has indicated that talks with the drivers' union are progressing, and a full withdrawal of the strike is likely in the coming days.